For I am Convinced

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither things present, nor things to come, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

For I am Convinced

Life is full of seasons of change and uncertainty. Even as believers, we can sometimes feel insecure, overwhelmed, or alone. To combat these feelings, we find in Romans Chapter 8 one of the most comforting and encouraging promises to us in all of Scripture.

The Apostle Paul begins the chapter with a massive relief—"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1) And he ends it with total assurance—For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither things present, nor things to come, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-89). 

Paul covers it all, listing every possible dimension of the human experience. He addresses the ultimate fear of death, as well as everyday life. He first speaks to the spiritual forces we can't see. Then he talks about the anxieties we have about the present and the future and includes all the"powers" that exist. By stating that neither height nor depth, nor "anything else in all creation" can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, Paul leaves zero room for doubt. Now that's the ultimate security blanket for the Christian!

The Author & Finisher

Why does Paul place so much emphasis on God's love toward us? It's because Jesus wants us to be convinced of His unwavering love and experience an unshakeable confidence in Him. Sometimes, we can be tempted to tie our eternal security to our own faith, feelings, or circumstances. But the foundation of our eternal security does not rely on our feeble grip of Jesus. Rather, it rests entirely on Jesus's grip on us. Through His perfect life, death on the cross, and resurrection He's the One who accomplished salvation for us. And it is by grace through faith in Him alone that we have eternal life. It's not even our faith that saves us, but it is the Object of our faith who saves us—Jesus. Faith is the instrument, but Jesus Christ is The Savior. Scripture tells us that Jesus is the both the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), and eternal life is a free gift (Rom 6:23). Salvation belong to the LORD (Psalm 3:8, 62:1).

Inseparable

Jesus' love is not fickle or fragile. It never wavers, even though our faith can often waver. It never pulls away, even though we can often stumble. Jesus' love toward us is insperable in that it's perfect and complete and doesn't rely on what we do or don't do. Absolutely nothing can separate us from His love This awesome truth should transform how we think about life and go through our everyday challenges or seasons of trials and testing.

So whenever the enemy tries to convince you that you are too sinful, too broken, or forgotten by Jesus, resist the devil's lies by being convinced of Jesus' love. And remember that Jesus never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). For I am convinced that His gift of eternal life to you is secured forever through the Holy Spirit who lives inside of you forever. Therefore, His infinite love toward you is also forever! Child of God, you are deeply known, cared for, eternally loved, and forever secure in Jesus. Today, rest in Jesus' love, the One who keeps you in the palm of His hand. Trust that Jesus will show you the way because He is the way (John 14:6).

Dear Heavenly Father, 

Thank You for setting Your love on me before the foundation of the world! Sometimes I allow my circumstances, my fears, or my own sins to make me feel distant from You. Help me to always be convinced that nothing in all creation can separate me from Your love. I ask that You give me the peace, joy, and confidence to face whatever comes my way today, knowing Jesus loves me. Thank You for my faith in Jesus. Thank You for my family's faith in Jesus. Thank You, Jesus, for being my Lord and my Savior. Amen. 

---

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:1